Extending the Good Beyond Ramadan
The blessed month of Ramadan comes bearing gifts, it unlocks new opportunities for us, it comes with mercies and blessings. In the month of Ramadan we feel closer to our maker, we feel more pure and good, we are inclined to do more in the blessed month of Ramadan.
However, have we ever stopped to reflect on how throughout the year we could always feel good, have we thought of how we could make every month of the year another Ramadan, have we thought of how we can get closer to our Lord every day of the year? Ramadan comes to purify us for the year, to have a fresh start in our lives for the rest of the year. Habits engaged in during the month of Ramadan should be done all year round, they are not meant to start and end with the month of Ramadan. Every new habit formed in the month should be noted and continued beyond Ramadan. The good deeds we engage in the month of Ramadan can be done in every other month of the year, Allah swt is with us all year round, every month, every week, every day, every hour every second, Subhanallah (Glory be to God) how beautiful. Ideally, Ramadan is supposed to be a time of reflection and redirection, instead, we pile up things in Ramadan and this is what makes it difficult to carry on after Ramadan. Also in Ramadan we are more aware of Allah; we tend to forget that Allah is with us all year round e.g. like how he comes down every night to answer the dua’s (prayers) of his servants. We should also note the rewards we are getting in Ramadan are the same throughout the year when we do good, except in a few instances.
During Ramadan it’s quite easy to engage in doing good and avoid that which is not encouraged; it gets difficult to maintain such a vibe after Ramadan and it’s easier said than done. Below are a few ways to keep the good deeds going beyond Ramadan:
1. Intention: be intentional; always remember your end goal, which is Jannah (paradise).
2. Be committed and consistent: It might be difficult with our busy schedules, but start somewhere no good is little and no act of Ibadah (worship) is insignificant with Allah.
3. Moderation is the key in life, avoid going extreme in your ibadah; it gets difficult and eventually you would give up completely.
4. Keep yourself motivated to remember the rewards of doing good, the ultimate success.
5. Encourage others around you to do good this will get you in the mood and gain more reward.
6. Let’s be realistic: dream big, you are beyond capable; you can achieve all that you want, be realistic in setting your goals.
7. Make it a habit: e.g. sadaqah (charity) make it a habit weekly or monthly, even if it’s smiling at your brothers. With qiyam (night prayer) start even if it’s with 2 units before fajr (dawn prayer), Start 10 or 30 minutes before fajr. You will be amazed at the results, always remember quality over quantity.
8. Self-evaluation time: assign a time for yourself, just you alone, me time. It could be daily, weekly or monthly. It helps you to have a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.
9. Keep your head high: Don’t let a single mistake deter you, seek forgiveness, renew your intentions and move on.
10. Give yourself credit: appreciate all the efforts you’ve put in, appreciate where you are today, how far you have come.
11. Remind yourself of the consequences of your actions e.g. not praying could bring the wrath of Allah upon you, and also remember his mercy often.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.”
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4240
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani
And as Allah’s Holy Quran states:
Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants;
And who (strictly) guard their prayers; —
These will be the heirs,
Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (for ever).
Sura 23:8–11 as translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
Also:
Give the kinsman his due, and the needy, and the wayfarer, and squander not (thy wealth) in wantonness.
Sura 17:26 as translated by Muhammad M. Pickthall
